POST FUNDRAISING UPDATE:

Well, he did it! What a champ! Not only did Matt complete this epic run, he also raised a substantial amount of cash along with Standard Bank Offshore contributing £250

To date, Matt has raised a whopping £1,182.82, which will help with funding to support our Brighter Futures families.

From all the Staff and families at Brighter Futures, we thank you, Matt.

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Brighter Futures is fortunate enough to have Matt Vasse from Standard Bank raising funds for us when he attempts the Round the Rock Marathon on 3rd August 2024.

The 26.2-mile race starts at Les Fontaines, follows the cliff paths west towards St Ouen, and finishes back at St Helier. Offering picturesque landscapes and memories to treasure, the course is also challenging.

Should you wish to support Matt and make a donation, please go to his KindLink sponsorship page.

Brighter Futures caught up with Matt to ask him a few questions, and he shared his thoughts with us:

• How long have you been running?

I first ran due to health issues around ten years ago to raise money for the hospital ward that helped me get through my illness.

• What's the furthest you have run?

I ran the Edinburgh marathon and vowed never to run again after that!! Over the last four years, I started running regularly (4/5 days a week) and enjoyed the benefits that come with regular exercise.

Since then, I’ve been looking for challenges to push me to see what I can achieve and allow me to keep eating sweet treats 😊. I did a half marathon to test the water, and then last year, I ran in the Manchester marathon and really enjoyed it compared to the last time in Edinburgh.

From there, I have done a couple more halves and the 4x4x48 challenge, running 4 miles every 4 hours over a 48-hour period. This has all led to the discovery of trail running and the great races that the Trail Monkey team put on in our island and a new challenge of 26+ miles on the cliff paths of Jersey, which I think will be my most brutal race event to date.

• Any pre-race rituals?

My pre-race ritual is always food-related. The night before, I tend to eat both pasta and pizza, followed by a breakfast of pancakes with Nutella, banana, and, importantly, two cups of tea to start the race day right!

• Why do this challenge for Brighter Futures?

During any of the challenges I’ve undertaken, I always like to help a local charity or foundation that does great work on the island. I heard about Brighter Futures through my work as one of our supported charities at Standard Bank and your great work supporting so many families here in Jersey.

In 2024, it will only get harder for charities like this to provide continual support to those who need it. Hopefully, I can help a little to keep up the great work and support that Brighter Futures is doing.

Thank you Matt, for supporting #teambrighterfutures.